Staying Motivated to Train as the Seasons Change

Fall is starting to settle in around me and as it does, it’s so easy
to go into hibernation, especially when it comes to fitness. Bikini
season is over and out comes the big comfy sweaters, leggings, and the
preparation for fall and winter. My fitness drive is a little lower
during this time of year as I think about sleeping in or staying in
because of the colder weather.

Here are 3 tips to keeping the energy levels up while things get
cold and dark:

1. Swap happy hours with sweaty hours.

One of the ways that I stay motivated to exercise as the days get
colder and darker is to find ways I can move indoors with group
fitness classes. Lately, I’ve found that replacing happy hours with
sweaty hours has been one way to spend quality time with girlfriends.
It’s the best feeling to walk out the door from a boxing class or spin
class to feel relief from the crisp, cold, and dark air.

2. Work out in the comfort of your own home.

Set your home and day up for quick 30-minute workouts in the comfort
of your own living room. I think we often overcomplicate exercise and
make excuses to not move our bodies. Set your home space up to do a
quick full-body circuit using nothing but your body. One of my
favorites is my go to travel workouts that I can do anywhere I go. You
can use simple things in your home like the couch, coffee table, a
chair, or even the stairs to accomplish simple workouts in your own
home. All you need to do is get creative.

3. Meditate and tell yourself that your body and soul deserve to move.

I’ve been trying my hardest to carve out time in my busy day to
meditate. I can’t believe how impactful taking 10 minutes out of each
day to clear my mind has been for my focus and energy. Meditation
isn’t about trying to control the thoughts and stop them. As a matter
of fact, it’s about allowing those thoughts to flow fluidly so that
you can give yourself time to focus on the present.

When you find yourself overthinking this seasonal weather change,
take a few moments to stop, clear your mind, and practice your
breathing. Then, give yourself some positive affirmations to help you
get yourself in the right headspace to get a workout in. For me, I
like to picture myself at that moment when you complete the last rep
of your workout. It’s that feeling of accomplishment and badassery
that fills each fiber in your body. You know that feeling, the one
where you know how much you didn’t want to move today, but you did and
you feel like a champion after? I tell myself this: “You are a
champion. Your body deserves to move and the darkness will pass soon
after you're done kicking butt through your workout. You got this babe!”

November welcomes the start of the holiday season. From parties to traveling, it is easy to have little time for the self and reflection. As you are out and about this season, take time for you and check in with your zen.